FPL Challenge Best Picks and Team Reveal – Gameweek 5
For this week’s fantasy twist, we’re diving into FPL Challenge Best Picks and Team Reveal – Gameweek 5. The challenge format adds a fresh layer of strategy, and finding the right players can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best options for the round, explain the thinking behind the choices, and share a complete team reveal to help you prepare with confidence.
What is the Challenge for Gameweek 5?
Top Picks
Goalkeepers
Everton face off against Liverpool away from home which means they are likely going to face a high volume of shots. Regardless of whether he keeps a clean sheet this week, Jordan Pickford still looks set to rack save points.
Whilst Jordan Pickford is arguably the standout goalkeeper this week due to limited Liverpool slots, those that aren’t sure who to back in defence could still go for Alisson Becker. The Brazilian could help his side keep a home clean sheet this week, so has solid potential.
Under Thomas Frank Tottenham have now racked up four clean sheets in just five matches, which makes them an appealing defence. With that in mind by Guglielmo Vicario could be a great option. Nottingham Forest’ Matz Sels v Burnley, Crystal Palace’ Dean Henderson versus West Ham and Aston Villa’ Emi Martinez up against Sunderland could also offer potential.
Defenders
Among the Liverpool defenders, it’s veteran centre-back Virgil Van Dijk who stands out. As well as offering clean sheet potential against Everton this week, only one other defender in the league has managed more defensive contributions – adding to his overall potential.
The introduction of defensive contributions has made Everton’ James Tarkowski and even more appealing asset this season. Tarkowski ranks third among defenders for total defcons, but he does so with a 100% record – having hit the the +2 point threshold in every one of his games.
Outside of the Challenge there are several great options with multiple routes to points. One of them is Crystal Palace’ Maxence Lacroix who managed to hit defcon points in three of his four games. He faces West Ham this week.
Nottingham Forest’ Nikola Milenkovic v Burnley, Crystal Palace’ Daniel Munoz versus West Ham, and Fulham’ Joachim Andersen who plays Brentford could be good alternatives.
Wildcarding this week? You should check out our best wildcard draft!
Midfielders
With home advantage and taking into account their relentless league form, backing the Liverpool attackers could be wise this week. Their standout asset is still penalty taker Mohamed Salah, who whilst hasn’t been as convincing as he usually is, has still managed three goal contributions during the first four matches.
There is no telling how the Liverpool line-up will change due to the introduction of Alexander Isak, so it may be worth monitoring for the line-ups before you set your teams. One name who could catch the eye if starting for the Reds is Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman bagged one goal and two assists in his first four fixtures – proving to be one of Liverpool’ most effective attackers this season.
Liverpool haven’t been as good as many expected they would be from a defensive perspective. Because of this and double points, bringing in an Everton midfielder could prove beneficial. One of several assets who has appeal is Jack GreaIish – after registering four assists in his first three starts.
Several midfielders outside the parameters of the Challenge should also be worth considering. Among those players is Chelsea’ Cole Palmer v Manchester United, Bournemouth’ Antoine Semenyo up against Newcastle and Aston Villa’ Morgan Rogers versus Sunderland.
Forwards
Checking the line-ups could be absolutely essential for Challengers who want to bring in one of their strikers. If starting, Hugo Ekitike could be the best of the bunch this week. The Frenchman has started the season in fantastic form – scoring three goals and producing one assist already.
We could also see Alexander Isak start this week. The Swede is yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool, but with 20+ goals last season, avoiding him if on the team sheet could be punishing.
Everton’ Norberto Beto is the likely starter for Everton for those wanting to back the Toffees. Beto is yet to fully convince, but having scored two goals this season in all competitions, he has shown glimpses.
It’s very likely that Challengers could look outside of the challenge for a forward this week. For those who still believe in fixture difficulty, then Nottingham Forest’ easy-on-paper clash with Burnley should provide potential for penalty taker Chris Wood.
Aston Villa’ Ollie Watkins v Sunderland, Chelsea’ Joao Pedro v Manchester United and West Ham Jean-Philippe Mateta versus West Ham should also hold plenty of potential.
Team Reveal
- This is my current set up. I think I’m set on Pickford in goal, I expect him to rack up save points.
- I also like the back-two this week, something I’m never usually that keen on in this game. I think both Tarkowksi and Virgil could hit defcons, which with double points is four points each straight off the bat.
- Salah is captain for now, he is joined by Gakpo. Both feel like the best midfielder options this week.
- My forward is massively up for debate. I could well end up on Beto this week, but there are lots to choose from, I may keep the faith with Watkins, let’s see!
- I also like Van Dijk for captaincy, that could go to the wire.
Gameweek 4 Review
- I got 87 points and a round rank of 16k last week. This meant I finished the Gameweek with a global rank of 1.2k.
- Haaland captain was the right move, whilst Salah and Dias also offered value.
- Fernandes did less than I thought he would, I probably should have brought in Foden though.
- Good luck this week!
